FAQs

What does Metro buy? Whom does it buy from?

Some of Metro's procurements are for complex, specialized transportation equipment, but like any large company we also need office supplies, consulting services, paint, uniforms - practically anything you can think of. We buy from small businesses as well as multinational corporations.

Categories of Goods and Services Procured by Metro Procurement:

ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING, MARKET RESEARCH

ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

AUTOMOTIVE: PARTS, RENTAL, LEASE, SALES, SERVICE

BUILDING: MAINTENANCE, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, SERVICE

BUSES & RAIL: PARTS, SALES, SERVICE, EQUIPMENT

CHEMICALS, SOAP, CLEANING SUPPLIES

COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT; COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

COMPUTERS: HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, SALES, LEASING

CONSTRUCTION: SERVICE, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS

CONSULTING, MANAGEMENT

ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC: SUPPLIES AND SERVICES

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES: MISCELLANEOUS

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING SERVICES

FINANCE, INVESTMENT, INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE

FUEL AND LUBRICANTS: EQUIPMENT, SALES, SERVICE

GRAPHIC DESIGN: EQUIPMENT, SALES, SERVICE

MEASURING, ANALYZING, PHOTOGRAPHY, CONTROLLING EQUIPMENT

OFFICE EQUIPMENT, OFFICE FURNITURE, OFFICE SUPPLIES

PAINT AND RELATED PRODUCTS

PRINTING, PUBLISHING, GRAPHIC SERVICES, PRINTING SUPPLIES

MAILING, COURIER, FREIGHT SERVICES

RAIL TRANSPORTATION/EQUIPMENT/TRACK/VEHICLES

SERVICES: MISCELLANEOUS

SHOP SUPPLIES, SHOP EQUIPMENT, RENTAL, SALES & SERVICE

UNIFORMS & LAUNDRY SALES & SERVICE

FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT, TRAVEL, LODGING

LEGAL SERVICES

MEDICAL & HEALTH SERVICES, SUPPLIES, FACILITIES

SECURITY & SAFETY SERVICES & EQUIPMENT

PHOTOGRAPHY & AUDIO VIDEO SERVICES & SUPPLIES

How do I become a Vendor to Metro?

Join our Vendor Community by following the 2 simple steps listed below. By registering as a vendor, you will be notified of Metro's open solicitations, have access to download open solicitation documents, maintain your vendor profile, and access other information relevant to your account.

Vendor Registration:

Go to naics.com/search and identify the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code(s) applicable to your business. Enter the codes in the NAIC Code section of the Supplier Registration Form; and

For questions surrounding how to get started as a vendor, please contact Vendor Services at 213-922-1037.

What is a Vendor Profile?

A Vendor Profile contains descriptive information about a company, such as vendor name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address. It also describes the type of business, ownership information, the goods or services offered, and the agent or point of contact.

Do I need to register as a vendor to bid on projects?

Yes. You must be a registered vendor to download information on open solicitations, regardless of the estimated value of the solicitation. Register at Supplier Registration.

To receive or download Metro's solicitations am I required to register as a vendor?

Yes. As a registered vendor, you can download solicitation documents from Metro's Vendor Portal by selecting the Solicitations tab from the navigation ribbon at the top of this page.

Due to the large packet size, Construction and Public Works project solicitation documents are available by:

Request it to be mailed via US Postal Service, Federal Express, or UPS by contacting Vendor Services at 213-922-1037. Vendors are required to pay all mailing fees.

How does Metro use the NAICS classification code?

Metro utilizes the NAICS classification code to identify the goods or services provided by registered vendors. For assistance identifying your NAICS classification code(s), use the 'NAICS Search at naics.com/search.

After I complete the registration is my account activated immediately?

Once you complete your registration, a notice is sent to Metro's Vendor Services administrator for review and approval during our normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Once your account is approved, usually in less than 24 hours, you will receive an email confirmation notice that contains additional information relevant to accessing your account and profile.

How will I learn about upcoming opportunities?

All registered vendors, with applicable NAICS code(s), will receive an email notification of the solicitation opportunity. A postcard notification will be sent via US Postal Service when an email address is not listed in the qualifying vendor profile. Please update the email address on your vendor profile as postcard notifications are subject to the US Postal Service delivery schedule.

How does Metro's bid system work?

Metro procures supplies and services through several solicitation methods - Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Information and Qualifications (RFIQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). A solicitation, regardless of method, should provide specific requirements that vendors must meet, the due date for receiving responses, criteria defining how awards will be determined, and a contact person for the solicitation.

How do I submit a bid and/or proposal?

Bids or Proposals should be submitted in accordance with the instructions outlined in the respective solicitation document. As each solicitation document may have different submittal requirements, it is important that you follow the submittal requirements described in the solicitation when submitting Bids or Proposals.

When is Pre-Qualification required?

Pre-Qualification is required for all firms, not exempted from the process, if the bid or proposal value will exceed $100,000. This includes first-tier subcontractors who are part of a proposing team. For details on specific exemptions, refer to Ordinance #4-05 of Metro's Administrative Code.

What is Metro Connect?

We encourage small business to take full advantage of our small business site, Metro Connect. Metro Connect is designed to support your business growth by giving you access to a small business Tool Kit, certification applications, networking events and workshops. You can find it under the Small Business Tools tab at the top of this page.

Who do I contact if I have a question?

Firms or individuals with questions can call (213) 922-1037 or email us.